The University of Nebraska at Kearney is replacing their dated surface at Cope Stadium with a new FieldTurf field. Officials opted for FieldTurf’s renowned Classic HD system, the same surface as Memorial Stadium at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

“We are committed to offering the very best facilities possible to our users,” said UNK Athletic Director Paul Plinske. “New synthetic turf is essential to performance and safety. This is one of the most highly-used spaces in the city of Kearney.”

Known for its rugged durability, off-the-charts safety statistics, and long lifespan, the FieldTurf Classic HD system is the surface of choice for hundreds collegiate programs across the world, including the University of Wisconsin, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Texas Tech, Syracuse University and Michigan State University.

“This project is an investment that will benefit not only Loper Athletics, but our entire campus and the Kearney community,” Plinske added. “We are really excited about the new look. It will provide great brand visibility, give the stadium a fresh look and make Kearney and the university proud.”

Cope Stadium at UNK hosts the university’s football and soccer programs as well as the Nebraska Shrine Bowl, Kearney High School football games, and the 6-Man State Championship.

The surface’s slit-film artificial turf fiber combines the durability of slit-film yarns with an upgraded production process to deliver the perfect combination of durability and softness. Its unique extrusion and inline precision cutter eliminates excess splitting, for longer-lasting performance and softness. It virtually eliminates any “Edge Decay” that exists on other artificial turf fibers.

A dedication for Cope Stadium’s new field is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 31, when the University of Nebraska at Kearney opens the football season against Missouri Western State University. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.